What do you think?
Rate this book
Dragon Assassin #4–6
Dragon Assassin 2: Royal Blood
Crossing the Bitterwaters is dangerous. Fulfilling her oath is twice as deadly. Will Carmen survive?She has promised her dragon that she will assassinate a target for him. But he won't name the person or thing he wants her to kill. And he keeps taking her further and further into the deadly land of Drachia, where dragons rule. And, as if that's not enough, every single one of those dragons wants to kill Brax.This edition contains episodes 4-6 of the bestselling 4. Bitterwaters - Crossing the Bitterwaters is dangerous. Fulfilling her oath is twice as deadly.5. Elder Magic - There are dragons to the left. There are dragons to the right. Where will Carmen turn?6. Royal Blood - The final battle in the world of dragons. There. Will. Be. Fire.It’s a non-stop young adult adventure from best-selling author Arthur Slade. Perfect for fans of Dragon Riders of Pern, Dragon School, Eragon and The Brindle Dragon series.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2020
About the author
Arthur Slade
64 books519 followersArthur Slade was raised in the Cypress Hills of southwest Saskatchewan and began writing at an early age. He is the author of the bestselling The Hunchback Assignments series of books, Dust (which won the Governor General's award), Tribes and Jolted. He lives in Saskatoon, Canada (which really is a real place). Join his creative & somewhat clever newsletter at: what a zany newsletter!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 7, 2020
Dragon Assassin the Second Omnibus box set Volume 4-6. I really loved these books. And these new omnibus editions are great to pick up for yourself or give as a gift.
Book 4 Bitterwaters
This book is part of a series that is being released one section at a time over a year. This is the fourth instalment, and has the biggest twist by far. In many ways it is like being a kid in the 70’sor 80’s and waiting for the next episode of a show. And it harkens back to the day when almost all fiction and especially science fiction and fantasty were published serially. My first thought upon finishing this fourth instalment was ‘Wow, I was completely blown away!’ Especially by the cliff hanger ending. I must admit that I have been a fan of Arthur Slades’s writing since reading both Dust and Tribes in 2002. I eagerly await each new release from his pen. I consider him a master at the craft of writing. This series and this fourth episode in it are wonderfully written. And as we wait to tune in next month to the same Dragon Chanel for the next instalment, here is my review of Book 3 Dark Wings.
As we progress through each volume in this series we find that each book has a lot on the go, and this time is no different. Though this time we move from the realm of humans to the land of the dragons, and things become very interesting very fast! Ot one point Brax states to Carmen:
“Not once have you inquired about the dragon system of government or our cultures—you’ve been in such a ‘I just want to kill my brother’ mindset since we met. Why do you think I was so averse to you riding my back? Slaves never ride on a dragon. We carry them in our talons or they mope along on the ground.”
Earlier in the book we read:
““I know that, Carmen!” he snapped. “I’m angry with everyone and everything right now. It’s the only emotion that keeps me going. Now be quiet for a long time because I need to concentrate.”
There was another large crack as a ragged chunk of ice broke from the tip of his right wing. But there were ever-growing sections of ice in the center that forced his wings to droop. If I had a pole I could have reached them.”
For this instalment begins with Brax and Carmen flying north, so she can complete her part of their bargain from book one. There is someone Carmen must kill for Brax, and then she will owe him a year of service. But the weather is worse than the last time Brax made the trip, and Carmen is added weight upon his back. His wings are freezing up, and the story starts off in a bleak way, and as the story goes on other than a few major surprises it gets bleaker and bleaker.
In this book we find out a lot more about Dragon kind. We learn some about their culture, their history, and their lives. We also learn a lot more specifically about Brax. And we find out that Carmen having Brax’s eye not only enhances her sight, and provides a connection to him. But that is a surprise you will need to read to find out.
I have been surprised by events in each of the preceding three volumes, but the end of this one is the biggest by far. This book and the entire series so far are excellent reads. It is a great series, and I look forward to the next instalment each month. It is well worth your time and effort to read these excellent books that are done in such a classic fantasy style. And after reading this one I am reminded of the Earthsea cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin and might go back and reread that while waiting for book 5. But again I will state most emphatically if you love classic fantasy along the lines of Le Guin and Guy Gavriel Kay you owe it to yourself to give the Dragon Assassin books a go!
Book 5 Elder Magic
This is a book that is being released serially. There is a new chapter coming out every month or so. I have been a fan of Slade’s work for many years, and this series is pure classic fantasy. Being episodic, is a good thing and a bad thing. It is good because we get new parts of the story much more frequently. Not so good in that we are often left hanging. It is like being a kid again in the 70’s or 80’s and waiting for the next episode of a show each week. Except the wait now is a month or two. But the waits have been more than worth it. And this latest installment is by far one of the best, and I was not even sure Slade could top some of the pieces of the story already released. As soon as one of these stories release, I drop whatever I am reading, and this immediately jumps to the book being read.
My first thoughts on this installment were: that it was an incredible piece of writing. I love the homage to merlin and the dragon with a mind like a broken mirror. A dragon that had spent so much time surfing the possibilities that he was uncertain what was read or not anymore. Carmen’s realization as the knife plunged down ever slower, was startling, and presented with extreme skill. But when you combine that with Carmen failing to complete her oath, because of the interference of another dragon. Brax and Carmen both ending up in the dungeon. And then …
Well to find out more you will need to read this book and the four that go before it. I have said for a few years now that Arthur Slade has a masterful pen. He often writes with wit and humour. But in this new series he is writing in a classic fantasy style I grew up reading. And not only does he craft stories in a classic style, he does so with great skill and magnificent mastery.
Many years Slade has ended up on my favorite authors list. This year he would for any of the volumes in this series. And some of the other stories published. If you love a great fantasy story, in an epic style you must give this book and this series a try!
Book 6 Royal Blood
This series keeps getting better and better. We may have had to wait a little longer for this installment in the Dragon Assassin series, but it has proved more than worth it. This is a book that is being released serially. There is a new chapter coming out about every month or so. I have been a fan of Slade’s work for many years, and this series is pure classic fantasy. It reminds me of the fantasy I first fell in love with late in grade school and in high school. It is the type of book that helped me fall in love with reading. And it is a series I am now sharing with my son. Being episodic, is both a good thing and a bad thing. It is good because we get new parts of the story much more frequently. And bad in that we are often left hanging. But that was not the case this time. It was a less suspenseful ending but the suspense in this installment more than makes up for that. In many ways reading this is like being a kid again in the 70’s or 80’s and waiting for the next episode of a show each week. Except the wait now is a month or two. But up until now the waits have been more than worth it. And this latest installment is one of the best, but I seem to be saying that with each new one. I was not even sure Slade could top some of the pieces of the story already released. As soon as one of these stories release, I drop whatever I am reading, and this immediately jumps to the book being read. And this one keep up the tradition of excellence.
This installment was very different than the others to date. It is an excellent piece of writing. We continue with the homage to Merlin from the precious volume. Carmen is helping both Brax and his brother. Brax’s father is in a battle to the death. And soon there are more. There are several twists in the story this time. And a surprise reunion towards the end.
To find out more you will need to read this book and the five that go before it. I have said before that Arthur Slade has a masterful pen. He often writes with wit and humour unlike any other. In this new series he is writing in a classic fantasy style I grew up reading. And not only does he craft stories in a classic style, he does so with great skill and mastery.
For many years now Slade has ended up on my favorite authors list. He will again this year for any of the volumes in this series. And some of the other stories published. If you love a great fantasy story, in an epic style you must give this book and this series a try!
As you can see the Dragon Assassin series is full of action, adventure and friendship. But I will warn you this book will leave you desperate for the next volume or the next three in omnibus form.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Arthur Slade. And also an author profile and interview with Art.
Book 4 Bitterwaters
This book is part of a series that is being released one section at a time over a year. This is the fourth instalment, and has the biggest twist by far. In many ways it is like being a kid in the 70’sor 80’s and waiting for the next episode of a show. And it harkens back to the day when almost all fiction and especially science fiction and fantasty were published serially. My first thought upon finishing this fourth instalment was ‘Wow, I was completely blown away!’ Especially by the cliff hanger ending. I must admit that I have been a fan of Arthur Slades’s writing since reading both Dust and Tribes in 2002. I eagerly await each new release from his pen. I consider him a master at the craft of writing. This series and this fourth episode in it are wonderfully written. And as we wait to tune in next month to the same Dragon Chanel for the next instalment, here is my review of Book 3 Dark Wings.
As we progress through each volume in this series we find that each book has a lot on the go, and this time is no different. Though this time we move from the realm of humans to the land of the dragons, and things become very interesting very fast! Ot one point Brax states to Carmen:
“Not once have you inquired about the dragon system of government or our cultures—you’ve been in such a ‘I just want to kill my brother’ mindset since we met. Why do you think I was so averse to you riding my back? Slaves never ride on a dragon. We carry them in our talons or they mope along on the ground.”
Earlier in the book we read:
““I know that, Carmen!” he snapped. “I’m angry with everyone and everything right now. It’s the only emotion that keeps me going. Now be quiet for a long time because I need to concentrate.”
There was another large crack as a ragged chunk of ice broke from the tip of his right wing. But there were ever-growing sections of ice in the center that forced his wings to droop. If I had a pole I could have reached them.”
For this instalment begins with Brax and Carmen flying north, so she can complete her part of their bargain from book one. There is someone Carmen must kill for Brax, and then she will owe him a year of service. But the weather is worse than the last time Brax made the trip, and Carmen is added weight upon his back. His wings are freezing up, and the story starts off in a bleak way, and as the story goes on other than a few major surprises it gets bleaker and bleaker.
In this book we find out a lot more about Dragon kind. We learn some about their culture, their history, and their lives. We also learn a lot more specifically about Brax. And we find out that Carmen having Brax’s eye not only enhances her sight, and provides a connection to him. But that is a surprise you will need to read to find out.
I have been surprised by events in each of the preceding three volumes, but the end of this one is the biggest by far. This book and the entire series so far are excellent reads. It is a great series, and I look forward to the next instalment each month. It is well worth your time and effort to read these excellent books that are done in such a classic fantasy style. And after reading this one I am reminded of the Earthsea cycle by Ursula K. Le Guin and might go back and reread that while waiting for book 5. But again I will state most emphatically if you love classic fantasy along the lines of Le Guin and Guy Gavriel Kay you owe it to yourself to give the Dragon Assassin books a go!
Book 5 Elder Magic
This is a book that is being released serially. There is a new chapter coming out every month or so. I have been a fan of Slade’s work for many years, and this series is pure classic fantasy. Being episodic, is a good thing and a bad thing. It is good because we get new parts of the story much more frequently. Not so good in that we are often left hanging. It is like being a kid again in the 70’s or 80’s and waiting for the next episode of a show each week. Except the wait now is a month or two. But the waits have been more than worth it. And this latest installment is by far one of the best, and I was not even sure Slade could top some of the pieces of the story already released. As soon as one of these stories release, I drop whatever I am reading, and this immediately jumps to the book being read.
My first thoughts on this installment were: that it was an incredible piece of writing. I love the homage to merlin and the dragon with a mind like a broken mirror. A dragon that had spent so much time surfing the possibilities that he was uncertain what was read or not anymore. Carmen’s realization as the knife plunged down ever slower, was startling, and presented with extreme skill. But when you combine that with Carmen failing to complete her oath, because of the interference of another dragon. Brax and Carmen both ending up in the dungeon. And then …
Well to find out more you will need to read this book and the four that go before it. I have said for a few years now that Arthur Slade has a masterful pen. He often writes with wit and humour. But in this new series he is writing in a classic fantasy style I grew up reading. And not only does he craft stories in a classic style, he does so with great skill and magnificent mastery.
Many years Slade has ended up on my favorite authors list. This year he would for any of the volumes in this series. And some of the other stories published. If you love a great fantasy story, in an epic style you must give this book and this series a try!
Book 6 Royal Blood
This series keeps getting better and better. We may have had to wait a little longer for this installment in the Dragon Assassin series, but it has proved more than worth it. This is a book that is being released serially. There is a new chapter coming out about every month or so. I have been a fan of Slade’s work for many years, and this series is pure classic fantasy. It reminds me of the fantasy I first fell in love with late in grade school and in high school. It is the type of book that helped me fall in love with reading. And it is a series I am now sharing with my son. Being episodic, is both a good thing and a bad thing. It is good because we get new parts of the story much more frequently. And bad in that we are often left hanging. But that was not the case this time. It was a less suspenseful ending but the suspense in this installment more than makes up for that. In many ways reading this is like being a kid again in the 70’s or 80’s and waiting for the next episode of a show each week. Except the wait now is a month or two. But up until now the waits have been more than worth it. And this latest installment is one of the best, but I seem to be saying that with each new one. I was not even sure Slade could top some of the pieces of the story already released. As soon as one of these stories release, I drop whatever I am reading, and this immediately jumps to the book being read. And this one keep up the tradition of excellence.
This installment was very different than the others to date. It is an excellent piece of writing. We continue with the homage to Merlin from the precious volume. Carmen is helping both Brax and his brother. Brax’s father is in a battle to the death. And soon there are more. There are several twists in the story this time. And a surprise reunion towards the end.
To find out more you will need to read this book and the five that go before it. I have said before that Arthur Slade has a masterful pen. He often writes with wit and humour unlike any other. In this new series he is writing in a classic fantasy style I grew up reading. And not only does he craft stories in a classic style, he does so with great skill and mastery.
For many years now Slade has ended up on my favorite authors list. He will again this year for any of the volumes in this series. And some of the other stories published. If you love a great fantasy story, in an epic style you must give this book and this series a try!
As you can see the Dragon Assassin series is full of action, adventure and friendship. But I will warn you this book will leave you desperate for the next volume or the next three in omnibus form.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books by Arthur Slade. And also an author profile and interview with Art.
September 2, 2023
The Story Continues to be Good
This three book set continues immediately after the first set ends. With the her role changed from Master to Slave, Carmen begins her agreed upon year of service to Brax, the dragon. They begin their journey to the dragon lands from which Brax was outlawed upon penalty of death if he ever returns. Carmen still does not know whom she has sworn to kill. The excitement grows, as does the plot twists. Enough about the story. I recommend this three book set for your reading pleasure.
This three book set continues immediately after the first set ends. With the her role changed from Master to Slave, Carmen begins her agreed upon year of service to Brax, the dragon. They begin their journey to the dragon lands from which Brax was outlawed upon penalty of death if he ever returns. Carmen still does not know whom she has sworn to kill. The excitement grows, as does the plot twists. Enough about the story. I recommend this three book set for your reading pleasure.
April 2, 2020
This series is great! Aside from a few typos and word choices and jargon (do dragons have hands?), it was brilliant! I'm still want to know what will happen to our MC and wish more of her new powers were explored, but the action, banter, characterization, and the dragons (more dragons this time!) were just simply great! This is what we need more of in YA dragon fantasy. A must read!!! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
May 24, 2020
This second 2 books on Audible 5-6 are even better then the first bundle of books 1-4 on Audible, and they were great now the wait for the next bundle books 7-8 which are still in the process of being recorded. The Narrator does a superb job with the characters and storyline and is very pleasant to the ear. This author wrote a extremely interesting and Wounderful story that I highly recommend!!
October 16, 2020
Brax and Carmen are off on another adventure. Brax is ready to cash in on his part of the deal he made with Carmen. He takes her to the land of dragons, even though he has been exiled. Carmen knows he wants someone killed but Brax is being secretive. Carmen finds out that Brax is accused of high crimes against the royal family and only wants to make things right.
Another action packed adventure. Fighting, magic and fierce determination are all key in this next series. Can't wait to finish the last series of stories.
Another action packed adventure. Fighting, magic and fierce determination are all key in this next series. Can't wait to finish the last series of stories.
February 19, 2020
Much better.
This was much better. A lot more fun, a lot more action, and no useless filling paragraphs. I am still glad it's an omnibus though. Each book is really it's own chapter. Looking forward to the last one.
This was much better. A lot more fun, a lot more action, and no useless filling paragraphs. I am still glad it's an omnibus though. Each book is really it's own chapter. Looking forward to the last one.
February 28, 2020
Ride the Dragon!
Series just keeps improving. Lots of twists and turns along with action and suspense. Good characterization, especially the dragons. If you like Dragon reads that aren't wimpy, you will like this book.
Series just keeps improving. Lots of twists and turns along with action and suspense. Good characterization, especially the dragons. If you like Dragon reads that aren't wimpy, you will like this book.
March 2, 2020
Very entertaining
There is a whole world of dragons.The world building is fascinating.A human with a few dragon abilities in a dragon world where human beings are slaves proves fascinating
There is a whole world of dragons.The world building is fascinating.A human with a few dragon abilities in a dragon world where human beings are slaves proves fascinating
April 20, 2020
Fulfilling the 2nd part of the pact
We learn more about the dragons, meet some interesting characters and who does Brax want her to kill.. answers for all. I really enjoyed this adventure.
We learn more about the dragons, meet some interesting characters and who does Brax want her to kill.. answers for all. I really enjoyed this adventure.
May 16, 2020
This series was a wonderful surprise! I found Carmen and her sarcastic dragon very endearing, and loved following along with their exciting adventures! I look forward to reading the final books in the series.
June 4, 2020
The second omnibus series was a great continuation of the first series. The adventures kept on coming and as issues arose, they were reconciled satisfactorily. An interesting read ... especially being a 78 year old reader following the adventures of a 16 year old girl and her dragon!
October 2, 2020
A delightful adventure
This is like the old style fantasy novels I read mumble years ago! Very enjoyable, with a plot that keeps me interested and characters I can dive into! And Dragons! Such interesting dragons!
This is like the old style fantasy novels I read mumble years ago! Very enjoyable, with a plot that keeps me interested and characters I can dive into! And Dragons! Such interesting dragons!
November 18, 2022
Another fantastic installment in the Dragon Assassin saga!
Oh, and what's this? More dragons? Brax hasn't been totally forthright about their journey? And Carmen has a few new tricks up her sleeve?
That's some pretty good storytelling, Mr. Slade!
Oh, and what's this? More dragons? Brax hasn't been totally forthright about their journey? And Carmen has a few new tricks up her sleeve?
That's some pretty good storytelling, Mr. Slade!
January 20, 2020
Awesome
Awesome read with dragons fighting for leadership as magic is unveiled while treachery is within to over throw a king.
Awesome read with dragons fighting for leadership as magic is unveiled while treachery is within to over throw a king.
February 4, 2020
Better than the first omnibus
February 24, 2020
Most satisfying. Now I have to contain myself in patience until 31st May.
June 14, 2020
A very enjoyable read. Good development from the fist books and I’m looking forward to the concluding edition.
June 24, 2020
Fun
Well written and humorous. Quite an adventure. I've already downloaded the next. A young protagonist, but this isn't angst filled.
Well written and humorous. Quite an adventure. I've already downloaded the next. A young protagonist, but this isn't angst filled.
Read
October 6, 2020Bok i
Book 3Dragon s assasin(
3mins is
Great books
now enjoy a good read recommended by me great
ead book 3
Book 3Dragon s assasin(
3mins is
Great books
now enjoy a good read recommended by me great
ead book 3
October 23, 2020
😻
Every time I think things could not get more mysterious they do. So much action and drama. With a bit of humor thrown in.
Every time I think things could not get more mysterious they do. So much action and drama. With a bit of humor thrown in.
November 30, 2020
Excellent
Good story,well written except for the grammatical mistakes which doesn't spoil the flow of the. Story
Overall a great read
Good story,well written except for the grammatical mistakes which doesn't spoil the flow of the. Story
Overall a great read
March 22, 2022
I really enjoyed part 2 as much as part 1
August 11, 2023
Excellent sequels! Excited to read the last part!
January 17, 2024
Carmen, sometimes I wonder...
Read
May 10, 2024Simple adventure story with fantasy twists in the plot.
January 20, 2023
This was a good sequel. Great adventure with the true meaning of loyalty. Loved this. Its a NEED to read book.
May 18, 2024
Carmen and co. go visit the dragons and shenanigans ensue. I enjoy how unserious this series is, just the vibe I’m looking for
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews